Born to be Viral: Kung-fu mantis thumb-wrestles human

Ever considered thumb-wrestling a mantis? In this video, a pet Devil's Flower mantis unleashes its own brand of kung-fu on its owner's fleshy digit. Typically, a mantis protects itself by mimicking its surroundings. But if directly threatened, it will stand tall and fan out its limbs to scare off predators. In this case, the persistent harassment called for a last resort tactic: striking with its forelegs and attempting to pinch its opponent while producing a hissing sound.

Despite occasional aggressive behaviour, the species is popular among mantis keepers. It's one of the largest flower-mimicking mantises and many are attracted by its bizarre shape, impressive colouration and rarity. However, they can also be hard to breed in captivity. An online guide put together by Gary Symes and Craig Smith offers husbandry techniques to those intent on keeping a Devil's Flower mantis as a pet. Some key advice includes providing a large number of flies for them to feed on and ensuring there are surfaces on which they can move around and moult.

Fascinating stuff :-) but that is only a young nymph, it will grow wings as it gets bigger, change to a brilliant green and white colour with flashes of blue and purple.
Also as an adult this defensive display gets better as the wings are quickly spread in a startle display along side loud hisses and clicks that the mantis makes with its wings, very much like crickets. Stunning animal.

Karab
on September 20, 2011 11:51 AM

Another WOW! what a beautiful creature, i didn't know these even existed but i know of mantises. my friend got grabbed and bitten by a smaller one in Greece, he squealed lol drew blood too!
Thanks for showing.